The Crystal Chemistry of Holtite

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Crystal Chemistry of Holtite The University of Maine DigitalCommons@UMaine Earth Science Faculty Scholarship Earth Sciences 12-1-2009 The rC ystal Chemistry of Holtite L. A. Groat Edward S. Grew University of Maine - Main, [email protected] R. J. Evans A. Pieczka T. S. Ercit Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ers_facpub Part of the Earth Sciences Commons Repository Citation Groat, L. A.; Grew, Edward S.; Evans, R. J.; Pieczka, A.; and Ercit, T. S., "The rC ystal Chemistry of Holtite" (2009). Earth Science Faculty Scholarship. 100. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ers_facpub/100 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Earth Science Faculty Scholarship by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UMaine. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Mineralogical Magazine,December 2009,Vol. 73(6),pp. 1033–1050 The crystal chemistry of holtite 1, 2 1 3 4 L. A. GROAT *, E. S. GREW ,R.J.EVANS ,A.PIECZKA AND T. S. ERCIT 1 Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of British Columbia, 6339 Stores Road, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada 2 Department of Earth Sciences, University of Maine, 5790 Bryand Global Sciences Center, Orono, Maine 04469-5790, USA 3 Department of Mineralogy, Petrography, and Geochemistry, AGH-University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krako´w, Poland 4 Canadian Museum of Nature, Research Division, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6P4, Canada [Received 26 July 2009; Accepted 22 December 2009] ABSTRACT 3+ 3+ Holtite, approximately (Al,Ta,&)Al6(BO3)(Si,Sb ,As )S3O12(O,OH,&)S3, is a member of the dumortierite group that has beenfoundinpegmatite, or alluvial deposits derived from pegmatite, at three localities: Greenbushes, Western Australia; Voron’i Tundry, Kola Peninsula, Russia; and Szklary, Lower Silesia, Poland. Holtite can contain >30 wt.% Sb2O3,As2O3,Ta2O5,Nb2O5, and TiO2 (taken together), but none of these constituents is dominant at a crystallographic site, which raises the question whether this mineral is distinct from dumortierite. The crystal structures of four samples from the three localities have beenrefinedto R1 = 0.02À0.05. The results show dominantly: Al, Ta, and vacancies at the Al(1) position; Al and vacancies at the Al(2), (3) and (4) sites; Si and vacancies at the Si positions; and Sb, As and vacancies at the Sb sites for both Sb-poor (holtite I) and Sb-rich (holtite II) specimens. Although charge-balance calculations based on our single-crystal structure refinements suggest that essentially no water is present, Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm that some OH is present in the three samples that could be measured. By analogy with dumortierite, the largest peak at 3505À3490 cmÀ1 is identified with OH at the O(2) and O(7) positions. The single-crystal X-ray refinements and FTIR results suggest the following general formula for holtite: Al7À[5x+y+z]/3 (Ta,Nb)x&[2x+y+z]/3BSi3Ày(Sb,As)yO18ÀyÀz(OH)z, where x is the total number of pentavalent cations, y is the total amount of Sb + As, and z 4 y is the total amount of OH. Comparison with the electron microprobe compositions suggests the following approximate general formulae Al5.83(Ta,Nb)0.50&0.67BSi2.50(Sb,As)0.50O17.00(OH)0.50 and Al5.92(Ta,Nb)0.25&0.83BSi2.00(Sb,As)1.00 O16.00(OH)1.00 for holtite I and holtite II respectively. However, the crystal structure refinements do not indicate a fundamental difference in cation ordering that might serve as a criterion for recognizing the two holtites as distinct species, and anion compositions are also not sufficiently different. Moreover, available analyses suggest the possibility of a continuum in the Si/(Sb + As) ratio between holtite I and dumortierite, and at least a partial continuum between holtite I and holtite II. We recommend that use of the terms holtite I and holtite II be discontinued. KEYWORDS: holtite, dumortierite, crystal chemistry, discontinued, Western Australia, Kola Peninsula, Lower Silesia. Introduction the dumortierite group that has beenfoundin HOLTITE, approximately (Al,Ta,&)Al6(BO3) pegmatite, or alluvial deposits derived from 3+ 3+ (Si,Sb ,As )S3O12(O,OH,&)S3, is a member of pegmatite, at three localities: Greenbushes, WesternAustralia (Pryce, 1971; Hoskins et al., 1989); Voron’i Tundry, Kola Peninsula, Russia * E-mail: [email protected] (Voloshin et al., 1977, 1987; Voloshinand DOI: 10.1180/minmag.2009.073.6.1033 Pakhomovskiy 1988); and Szklary, Lower # 2009 The Mineralogical Society L. A. GROAT ET AL. Silesia, Poland (Pieczka and Marszałek, 1996). In Voron’i Tundry holtite was reported to contain additionto several distinctivestructural features, more SiO2 (26.6À26.7 wt.% vs. 20.3 wt.% by wet such as face-sharing Al-octahedra and both cation chemistry) thanthe type material, but onlya third and anion vacancies, holtite and dumortierite are of the Sb (5.8À6.4 wt.% vs. 18.0 wt.% as Sb2O3), unique among aluminosilicate minerals because i.e. it was intermediate in composition between they incorporate substantial amounts of the trace type holtite and dumortierite. Moreover, Voloshin elements Nb, Ta, As and Sb, which generally et al. (1977) reported 2.5À3.2 wt.% As2O3 and a form oxides, arsenates or sulphides rather than B2O3 content (4.7À5.1 wt.%) approaching the silicates inpegmatites andother deposits where ideal value consistent with the dumortierite such rare elements are concentrated. Unlike the structure; cf. 1.8 wt.% inthe type holtite, which situation for many new minerals described in the Hoskins et al. (1989) suggested was inerror as the last 50 years, none of the four constituents that structure refinement gave stoichiometric B. In a distinguish holtite from dumortierite is dominant more detailed study of the Voron’i Tundry at a specific crystallographic site, i.e. Si is material, Voloshin et al. (1987) recognized two dominant over Sb3+ and As3+ at the two varieties of holtite: low-Sb holtite I, anearly- tetrahedral sites and Al is dominant over Ta, Nb formed phase, which was described in1977, and and vacancy at the Al(1) site in both minerals. high-Sb holtite II, a late-formed phase. The latter Moreover, the term holtite has beenapplied to an had SiO2 and Sb (as Sb2O3) contents close to ever-widening compositional range that blurred those of the type material; it also contained As, its distinction from dumortierite, which in turn has which Voloshin et al. (1987) also found in a recently been found to contain significant Nb, Ta, sample from Greenbushes. As, Sb and Bi, further muddying the distinction Pieczka and Marszałek (1996) described a third (Groat et al., 2001; Cempı´rek and Nova´k, 2004; holtite occurrenceina pegmatite inSzklary, Borghi et al., 2004; Vaggelli et al., 2004). Lower Silesia, Poland. Containing 12.9 wt.% Sb The primary objective of the present study is to (as Sb2O3), this holtite appeared to be yet another obtain a better understanding of the structural intermediate, but when As is added to Sb (see features of holtite and the crystallographic role below), this holtite is close to holtite II and type played by Nb, Ta, As, Sb and Bi in both holtite holtite inSi and(Sb 3++As3+) content. However, and dumortierite. A secondary objective is to its Ta2O5 content of 5.1 wt.% is but half that of consider the implications of our findings for the other three holtites, i.e. 9.8À14.5 wt.% clarifying the distinction between holtite and (Pryce, 1971; Voloshin et al., 1977, 1987; dumortierite. VoloshinandPakhomovskiy 1988). Groat et al. (2002) found both varieties of holtite in samples from Greenbushes, leaving Brief history of holtite Szklary the only locality where but one variety Holtite was first identified by Pryce (1971) in had been found. Kazantsev et al. (2005) specimens from an alluvial tin deposit, derived concluded that the absence of any intermediate from the weathering of pegmatite, near the compositions allows one to consider the two township of Greenbushes, Western Australia varieties as independent with the main difference (Pryce and Chester, 1978). Weissenberg photo- betweenthe two beingthe Si:(Sb+As) ratio: graphs of single crystals gave space group Pnma, 8.5:1.5 in holtite I and 7:3 in holtite II, and by the same as dumortierite, and indicated the extension, 10:0 in dumortierite. However, T.S. mineral had a crystal structure like dumortierite. Ercit contended in Locock et al. (2006) that the However, chemical analyses showed, that in terms holtite I and holtite II are paragenetic- additionto major Al 2O3 and SiO2 and subordinate compositional varietal names for holtite with B2O3, holtite contains 18.0 wt.% Sb as Sb2O3 inferred, but not proven, structural differences. (originally reported as 4.61 wt.% Sb2O5 and Ercit also pointed out that the varietal distinction 13.89 wt.% Sb2O3), 11.24 wt.% Ta2O5 and is based on amounts of Sb and As subordinate to 0.76 wt.% Nb2O5, constituents not reported in the Si they replace, and that this terminology has dumortierite at that time (e.g. Grew, 1996). not been approved by the Commission on New Voloshin et al. (1977) described a second Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the occurrence of holtite in a pegmatite at Mount International Mineralogical Association Vasin-Myl’k, Voron’i Tundry, Kola Peninsula, (CNMNC IMA). Insummary, oneis left with Russia (specific locality from Pekov, 1998). The the impressionthat the nameholtite has become a 1034 THE CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY OF HOLTITE ‘catch-all’ term for pegmatitic dumortierite-like dumortierite, which was described by minerals containing significant Sb, As, Ta and Nb, Golovastikov (1965) and Moore and Araki rather than a mineral with a well defined (1978) as a designonthe semi-regular planar composition.
Recommended publications
  • Chemical Composition of Mn-And Cl-Rich Apatites from the Szklary
    minerals Article Chemical Composition of Mn- and Cl-Rich Apatites from the Szklary Pegmatite, Central Sudetes, SW Poland: Taxonomic and Genetic Implications Adam Szuszkiewicz 1,* ID , Adam Pieczka 2, Bozena˙ Goł˛ebiowska 2, Magdalena Duma ´nska-Słowik 2 ID , Mariola Marszałek 2 and Eligiusz Szeł˛eg 3 1 Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, pl. M. Borna 9, 50-204 Wrocław, Poland 2 Department of Mineralogy, Petrography and Geochemistry, AGH University of Science and Technology Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland; [email protected] (A.P.); [email protected] (B.G.); [email protected] (M.D.-S.); [email protected] (M.M.) 3 Department of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrography, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, B˛edzi´nska60, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 6 July 2018; Accepted: 9 August 2018; Published: 14 August 2018 Abstract: Although calcium phosphates of the apatite group (apatites) with elevated contents of Mn are common accessory minerals in geochemically evolved granitic pegmatites, their Mn-dominant M1 M2 X analogues are poorly studied. Pieczkaite, Mn2 Mn3(PO4)3 Cl, is an exceptionally rare Mn analogue of chlorapatite known so far from only two occurrences in the world, i.e., granitic pegmatites at Cross Lake, Manitoba, Canada and Szklary, Sudetes, SW Poland. In this study, we present the data on the compositional variation and microtextural relationships of various apatites highly enriched in Mn and Cl from Szklary, with the main focus on compositions approaching or attaining the stoichiometry of pieczkaite (pieczkaite-like apatites).
    [Show full text]
  • The Journal of Gemmology Data Depository Photomicrographs To
    The Journal of Gemmology Data Depository Photomicrographs to accompany the article: Hänni H.A., Brunk R. and Franz L. 2021. An investigation of grinding hardness of some ornamental stones. Journal of Gemmology, 37(6), 2021, 632–643, https://doi.org/10.15506/JoG.2021.37.6.632. The following photomicrographs of thin sections of the samples were made with a Leica DFC490 camera mounted on a Leica DMRD polarising microscope with transmitted light. For each sample, figure A shows the sample in plane-polarised light (II Pol.) and figure B with crossed polarisers (X Pol.); the sample numbers correspond to those in the article. Photomicrographs © L. Franz. 1 1 Aventurine quartz, green: Foliated matrix with aligned quartz (Qz) grains, fuchsite (Fu) tablets and accessory zircon (Zrn). 2 2 Aventurine quartz, orangey red: Mylonitic fabric with quartz (Qz) ribbons and recrystallized grains as well as intergrowths of muscovite with hematite (Ms & Hem). 3 3 Chalcedony, light grey: Intensely interlocked chalcedony (Chc) crystals with random orientation. 4 4 Chrysoprase: In a matrix of tiny chalcedony (Chc) and quartz (Qz) crystals, larger quartz aggregates occur. In microfractures, palisade-shaped chalcedony crystals and quartz grains formed. 5 5 Dumortierite: A banded texture with layers rich in dumortierite (Dum), dumortierite and quartz (Dum & Qz), quartz (Qz) and tourmaline (Tur). 6 6 Granite: The holocrystalline fabric is made up of subhedral plagioclase (Pl), orthoclase (Or), biotite (Bt) and anhedral quartz (Qz). 7 7 Green quartz: A granoblastic texture made up of large quartz (Qz) crystals as well as a microfolded layer of fuchsite (Fu). 8 8 Heliotrope (bloodstone): Green, brown and colourless accumulations of chalcedony (Chc) are recognizable.
    [Show full text]
  • Fibrous Nanoinclusions in Massive Rose Quartz: the Origin of Rose Coloration
    American Mineralogist, Volume 86, pages 466–472, 2001 Fibrous nanoinclusions in massive rose quartz: The origin of rose coloration JULIA S. GOREVA,* CHI MA, AND GEORGE R. ROSSMAN Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, MS 100-23, Pasadena, California 91125, U.S.A. ABSTRACT Pink nanofi bers were extracted from rose quartz from 29 different pegmatitic and massive vein localities throughout the world. Their width varied from 0.1 to 0.5 µm. On the basis of optical absorp- tion spectra of the fi bers and the initial rose quartz, we conclude that these nanofi brous inclusions are the cause of coloration of massive rose quartz worldwide. These fi bers do not occur in the rare, euhedral variety of pink quartz. Redox and heating experiments showed that the pink color of the fi bers is due to Fe-Ti intervalence charge transfer that produces an optical absorption band at 500 nm. Based on the XRD patterns and characteristics of pleochroism, the best match for these inclusions is dumortierite. However, FTIR and Raman spectra consistently did not exactly match the standard dumortierite patterns, suggesting that this fi brous nano-phase may not be dumortierite itself, but rather a closely related material. INTRODUCTION Other workers have suggested that the color of rose quartz is 2+ 4+ The rose variety of quartz is known and valued from time due to intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) between Fe + Ti 3+ 3+ 4+ immemorial as an item of beauty, a source of rock for decorative → Fe + Ti (Smith et al. 1978) or between substitutional Ti 3+ carvings, and as a jewelry stone.
    [Show full text]
  • Some Uncommon Sapphire “Imitations”: Blue Co-Zirconia, Kyanite & Blue Dumortierite Dr Michael S
    Some Uncommon Sapphire “Imitations”: Blue Co-zirconia, Kyanite & Blue Dumortierite Dr Michael S. Krzemnicki Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF [email protected] 筆者滙報數個瑞士珠寶研究院(SSEF)近期收到 in the ring showed a negative RI reading 要求鑑證的藍色寶石,經檢測後確定其中包括 (above 1.79), an isotropic optical character 一些非常罕見的藍寶石模擬石:含錮氧化鋯、 (polariscope) and thus no pleochroism at all. 藍晶石及藍線石等。 Under the microscope, we saw no inclusions, however a slightly greenish reaction under Sapphires are among the most abundant gems the LWSW and there was a weaker similar we receive at the Swiss Gemmological Institute reaction under SWUV lamps. Based on these (SSEF) for testing. From time to time, however, properties and a chemical analysis by X-ray we are quite surprised by the imitations which fluorescence (EDXRF), the blue stone was we find among the goods sent in and this can readily identified as cubic zirconia (ZrO2). then be disappointing news for the clients. In Having seen this artificial product in a wide the following short note, the author presents a range of colours, the author had not previously few uncommon imitations identified recently at seen one of such a saturated and attractive the SSEF. Identification of these imitations is blue. Based on literature (Nassau 1981) the straightforward and should be no problem for analysed traces of cobalt in that stone have any experienced gemmologist. been identified as the colouring element in this specimen. The absorption spectrum of the stone The first case is that of an attractive blue (Fig. 2) – although superposed by several rare faceted stone of approximately 1.4 ct, set in a ring with diamonds (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Basic Facts About Stainless Steel
    What is stainless steel ? Stainless steel is the generic name for a number of different steels used primarily for their resistance to corrosion. The one key element they all share is a certain minimum percentage (by mass) of chromium: 10.5%. Although other elements, particularly nickel and molybdenum, are added to improve corrosion resistance, chromium is always the deciding factor. The vast majority of steel produced in the world is carbon and alloy steel, with the more expensive stainless steels representing a small, but valuable niche market. What causes corrosion? Only metals such as gold and platinum are found naturally in a pure form - normal metals only exist in nature combined with other elements. Corrosion is therefore a natural phenomena, as nature seeks to combine together elements which man has produced in a pure form for his own use. Iron occurs naturally as iron ore. Pure iron is therefore unstable and wants to "rust"; that is, to combine with oxygen in the presence of water. Trains blown up in the Arabian desert in the First World War are still almost intact because of the dry rainless conditions. Iron ships sunk at very great depths rust at a very slow rate because of the low oxygen content of the sea water . The same ships wrecked on the beach, covered at high tide and exposed at low tide, would rust very rapidly. For most of the Iron Age, which began about 1000 BC, cast and wrought iron was used; iron with a high carbon content and various unrefined impurities. Steel did not begin to be produced in large quantities until the nineteenth century.
    [Show full text]
  • Significance of Dumortierite in an Aluminosilicate.Rich
    t37 CanadianMineralogist Vol. 3 I, pp. 137-146 (1993) SIGNIFICANCEOF DUMORTIERITE IN AN ALUMINOSILICATE.RICHALTERATION ZONE, LOUVICOURT,OUEBEC MEHMETF. TANER BP Resources Canala Limited, lzs Mines Selbaie' Case Postale j70, Joutel, Qulbec JOY IN0 ROBERTF.MARTIN Departmentof Eanhand Planetary Sciences, McGill Universiry' 3450University Street, Montr,1al, Qutbec H3A 2A7 ABSTRACI A dumortierite-bearing,aluminosilicate-rich zone of hydrothermalalteration has been found in the northeasternsector of Louvicourt Township, in-the Abitibi greenstonebelt, Val d'Or area Quebec.The affected schists(metavolcanic rocks of &e Malartic Group) are andalusite-bearing;they are located near the southerncontact of^the Bevcon pluton. The presenceof dumonieritemakes the rocks pinkish. Its a andb cell parameters,I 1.822(5) nd20.251(7) A, arelarger than usually reported, and mayreflect the presence of vlMg andlvAI. Thec diminsionis 4.698(I ) A. Theaverage chemical composition of thedumortierite in two samplesdiffers slightly: (A16.sA4g0.r2Ti0.mFeo.oootro.zs)x.0rB(Si2.8lAl0.r4Po.oa)>z.seorz.0e(oH)q.q.l (surfaceexposure) and (A16.62Mg6'67Ti6.orF"o.orio.r)*.ril$ir-A1o*i,o.oJo-6"-(OH)1.16 (subsurface).The dumortieritereplaces andalusite, whi;ii:fodA diiring iii6 miitari<irphis;';d aafom;ri;nbf the intenselyleached metavolcanic rocks. The introductionof boron thus occunedlate. The presenceof dumortierite,here described for the fint time in theAbitrbi greenstonebelt, provides.avaluable targetfor further explorationbecause of the link betweenperaluminous altered rocks
    [Show full text]
  • Mineral Collecting Sites in North Carolina by W
    .'.' .., Mineral Collecting Sites in North Carolina By W. F. Wilson and B. J. McKenzie RUTILE GUMMITE IN GARNET RUBY CORUNDUM GOLD TORBERNITE GARNET IN MICA ANATASE RUTILE AJTUNITE AND TORBERNITE THULITE AND PYRITE MONAZITE EMERALD CUPRITE SMOKY QUARTZ ZIRCON TORBERNITE ~/ UBRAR'l USE ONLV ,~O NOT REMOVE. fROM LIBRARY N. C. GEOLOGICAL SUHVEY Information Circular 24 Mineral Collecting Sites in North Carolina By W. F. Wilson and B. J. McKenzie Raleigh 1978 Second Printing 1980. Additional copies of this publication may be obtained from: North CarOlina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development Geological Survey Section P. O. Box 27687 ~ Raleigh. N. C. 27611 1823 --~- GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SECTION The Geological Survey Section shall, by law"...make such exami­ nation, survey, and mapping of the geology, mineralogy, and topo­ graphy of the state, including their industrial and economic utilization as it may consider necessary." In carrying out its duties under this law, the section promotes the wise conservation and use of mineral resources by industry, commerce, agriculture, and other governmental agencies for the general welfare of the citizens of North Carolina. The Section conducts a number of basic and applied research projects in environmental resource planning, mineral resource explora­ tion, mineral statistics, and systematic geologic mapping. Services constitute a major portion ofthe Sections's activities and include identi­ fying rock and mineral samples submitted by the citizens of the state and providing consulting services and specially prepared reports to other agencies that require geological information. The Geological Survey Section publishes results of research in a series of Bulletins, Economic Papers, Information Circulars, Educa­ tional Series, Geologic Maps, and Special Publications.
    [Show full text]
  • Raymond & Leigh Danielle Austin
    PRODUCT TRENDS, BUSINESS TIPS, NATIONAL TONGUE PIERCING DAY & INSTAGRAM FAVS Metal Mafia PIERCER SPOTLIGHT: RAYMOND & LEIGH DANIELLE AUSTIN of BODY JEWEL WITH 8 LOCATIONS ACROSS OHIO STATE Friday, August 14th is NATIONAL TONGUE PIERCING DAY! #nationaltonguepiercingday #nationalpiercingholidays #metalmafialove 14G Titanium Barbell W/ Semi Precious Stone Disc Internally Threaded Starting At $7.54 - TBRI14-CD Threadless Starting At $9.80 - TTBR14-CD 14G Titanium Barbell W/ Swarovski Gem Disc Internally Threaded Starting At $5.60 - TBRI14-GD Threadless Starting At $8.80 - TTBR14-GD @fallenangelokc @holepuncher213 Fallen Angel Tattoo & Body Piercing 14G Titanium Barbell W/ Dome Top 14G Titanium Barbell W/ Dome Top 14G ASTM F-67 Titanium Barbell Assortment Internally Threaded Starting At $5.46 - TBRI14-DM Internally Threaded Starting At $5.46 - TBRI14-DM Starting At $17.55 - ATBRE- Threadless Starting At $8.80 - TTBR14-DM Threadless Starting At $8.80 - TTBR14-DM 14G Threaded Barbell W Plain Balls 14G Steel Internally Threaded Barbell W Gem Balls Steel External Starting At $0.28 - SBRE14- 24 Piece Assortment Pack $58.00 - ASBRI145/85 Steel Internal Starting At $1.90 - SBRI14- @the.stabbing.russian Titanium Internal Starting At $5.40 - TBRI14- Read Street Tattoo Parlour ANODIZE ANY ASTM F-136 TITANIUM ITEM IN-HOUSE FOR JUST 30¢ EXTRA PER PIECE! Blue (BL) Bronze (BR) Blurple Dark Blue (DB) Dark Purple (DP) Golden (GO) Light Blue (LB) Light Purple (LP) Pink (PK) Purple (PR) Rosey Gold (RG) Yellow(YW) (Blue-Purple) (BP) 2 COPYRIGHT METAL MAFIA 2020 COPYRIGHT METAL MAFIA 2020 3 CONTENTS Septum Clickers 05 AUGUST METAL MAFIA One trend that's not leaving for sure is the septum piercing.
    [Show full text]
  • The Seven Crystal Systems
    Learning Series: Basic Rockhound Knowledge The Seven Crystal Systems The seven crystal systems are a method of classifying crystals according to their atomic lattice or structure. The atomic lattice is a three dimensional network of atoms that are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The shape of the lattice determines not only which crystal system the stone belongs to, but all of its physical properties and appearance. In some crystal healing practices the axial symmetry of a crystal is believed to directly influence its metaphysical properties. For example crystals in the Cubic System are believed to be grounding, because the cube is a symbol of the element Earth. There are seven crystal systems or groups, each of which has a distinct atomic lattice. Here we have outlined the basic atomic structure of the seven systems, along with some common examples of each system. Cubic System Also known as the isometric system. All three axes are of equal length and intersect at right angles. Based on a square inner structure. Crystal shapes include: Cube (diamond, fluorite, pyrite) Octahedron (diamond, fluorite, magnetite) Rhombic dodecahedron (garnet, lapis lazuli rarely crystallises) Icosi-tetrahedron (pyrite, sphalerite) Hexacisochedron (pyrite) Common Cubic Crystals: Diamond Fluorite Garnet Spinel Gold Pyrite Silver Tetragonal System Two axes are of equal length and are in the same plane, the main axis is either longer or shorter, and all three intersect at right angles. Based on a rectangular inner structure. Crystal shapes include: Four-sided prisms and pyramids Trapezohedrons Eight-sided and double pyramids Icosi-tetrahedron (pyrite, sphalerite) Hexacisochedron (pyrite) Common Tetragonal Crystals: Anatase Apophyllite Chalcopyrite Rutile Scapolite Scheelite Wulfenite Zircon Hexagonal System Three out of the four axes are in one plane, of the same length, and intersect each other at angles of 60 degrees.
    [Show full text]
  • High Integrity Die Casting Processes
    HIGH INTEGRITY DIE CASTING PROCESSES EDWARD J. VINARCIK JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. This book is printed on acid-free paper. ࠗϱ Copyright ᭧ 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, New York. All rights reserved Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey Published simultaneously in Canada No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 750-4470, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, e-mail: [email protected]. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, in- cidental, consequential, or other damages.
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary of Gemstone and Crystal Correspondences
    GLOSSARY OF PRIMARY GEMSTONES USED IN METAPHYSICAL ENERGY WORK benebell wen Table of Contents Basics of Stone and Crystal Work .................. 2 R ........................................................................... 32 Clearing the Stone’s Qi ........................................ 2 S ............................................................................ 33 When Not to Clear a Stone’s Qi ...................... 4 T ........................................................................... 36 Glossary of Gemstones & Crystals ................. 6 U ........................................................................... 38 A .............................................................................. 6 V ........................................................................... 38 B ............................................................................ 10 W ......................................................................... 39 C ........................................................................... 12 X ........................................................................... 39 D ........................................................................... 14 Y............................................................................ 39 E ............................................................................ 15 Z ........................................................................... 40 F ............................................................................ 16 General Correspondences
    [Show full text]
  • Holtite and Dumortierite from the Szklary Pegmatite, Lower Silesia, Poland A
    The University of Maine DigitalCommons@UMaine Earth Science Faculty Scholarship Earth Sciences 4-1-2011 Holtite and Dumortierite from the Szklary Pegmatite, Lower Silesia, Poland A. Pieczka Edward S. Grew University of Maine - Main, [email protected] L. A. Groat R. J. Evans Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ers_facpub Part of the Earth Sciences Commons Repository Citation Pieczka, A.; Grew, Edward S.; Groat, L. A.; and Evans, R. J., "Holtite and Dumortierite from the Szklary Pegmatite, Lower Silesia, Poland" (2011). Earth Science Faculty Scholarship. 42. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ers_facpub/42 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Earth Science Faculty Scholarship by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UMaine. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Mineralogical Magazine, April 2011, Vol. 75(2), pp. 303–315 Holtite and dumortierite from the Szklary Pegmatite, Lower Silesia, Poland 1 2 3 3 A. PIECZKA ,E.S.GREW ,L.A.GROAT AND R. J. EVANS 1 Department ofMineralogy, Petrography and Geochemistry, AGH À University ofScience and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krako´w, Poland 2 Department ofEarth Sciences, University ofMaine, 5790 Bryand Global Sciences Center, Orono, Maine 04469- 5790, USA 3 Department ofEarth and Ocean Sciences, University ofBritish Columbia 6339 Stores Road, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T IZ4, Canada [Received 24 November 2010; Accepted 30 March 2011] ABSTRACT The Szklary holtite is represented by three compositional varieties: (1) Ta-bearing (up to 14.66 wt.% Ta2O5), which forms homogeneous crystals and cores within zoned crystals; (2) Ti-bearing (up to 3.82 wt.% TiO2), found as small domains within the core; and (3) Nb-bearing (up to 5.30 wt.% Nb2O5,) forming the rims of zoned crystals.
    [Show full text]